CFAP Help Available
University extension agencies offer ag producers help in applying for CFAP.
Extension economists have prepared an online overview of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to help producers. Signup for direct relief due to COVID-19 began May 26 and ends Aug. 28, 2020, at local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension economist Scott Brown.
Producers must make telephone appointments with FSA representatives or email them. They also may apply online.
MU Extension agriculture business and policy specialists created the educational pieces to help producers understand the program before they visit their local FSA offices during unusual work environments due to COVID-19. See https://bit.ly/3ewszQt for MU Extension’s guide. The guide offers eligibility requirements, examples, videos and calculators.
Producers must make telephone appointments with FSA representatives or email them. They also may apply online.
If you are an existing customer, much of the required information likely will be on file at the FSA office. If not, prepare by having your personal information, tax identification number and direct deposit information. Be prepared to explain your farm operating structure, and have information regarding your adjusted gross income compliance certification to ensure eligibility.
Applicants will self-certify, but should keep records for spot checks and audits.
Brown says payment details are complicated and “everyone won’t be happy, but they will be happy to see payments headed their way.”
Not all commodities are eligible.
Eligible farmers and livestock producers will receive 80% of their calculated payment now under the CFAP plan. The remaining 20%, not to exceed the payment limit, will come later this year, depending on remaining funds available under the total $16 billion CFAP monies.
Eligible commodities must have suffered a 5% or more price decline or serious supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Income restrictions apply for individuals and different legal entities.
Several other universities are putting out some excellent resources, as well. Kansas State University has a resource available at https://bit.ly/3datENx, and Purdue University offers resources at https://bit.ly/2yIe7pc. Check with your local university extension and FSA office for more.
Apply at www.farmers.gov/cfap.
Editor’s note: Linda Geist is a writer for MU Extension.
